Category Archives: in South Dublin

A new set of Mens Pilates, Core Strength and Flexibility Classes starts during the week of Monday 7th of May and Monday 14th of May 2018 in the greater South Dublin area, Dublin 14, Dublin 16 and Dublin 18.

The classes and courses run in eight-week blocks. There is generally a maximum of 8-10 participants per class, meaning the classes are rather small and this allows me to offer a good degree of individual attention. Benefit from 16 years teaching experience, I worked with hundreds of individuals of all ages mid/late teens to individuals in their 90s, busy mums, business owners, desk-bound office workers, retired people, various groups and individuals from sports like rugby, GAA, soccer, tennis, long-distance running and golf.

A quick reminder re the Monday Morning 10am-11am Toning and Fitness class in Leopardstown Heights, Dublin 18 in South Dublin.

Join Anytime – Contact me – before you come along to make sure the class is and that it is suitable for you. We do a mix of different types of exercises during these Park / Outdoor Conditioning classes in Leopardstown (close to Sandyford).

A quick note to let you know that my Monday Morning – Park / Outdoor Fitness class in Leopardstown Heights (on the MUGA, Multi Usage Games Area – Basketball Court) is postponed by a week to Monday 12th March 2018 due to snow and ice in Dublin 18, D18.

I took the picture/video above earlier on this evening. You can see the basketball court, MUGA on the left, completely covered in snow – as most of the green in the Leopardstown Heights housing estate. It’s better to be on the safe side and continue with the outdoor and park fitness and exercise classes next week.

Join in anytime! We use various fitness and exercise equipment (e.g. kettlebells, skipping ropes, a drill ladder, exercise mats, a TRX, Gymnastic ring etc.) to Get you Fitter, Trimmer and Slimmer! – Martin

A quick note to let you know that there will be *no*Wednesday Morning Pilates class today, 28th February 2018, in Rathfarnham, Willbrook in the “old Court House”, near Nutgrove, Whitechurch, Dublin 14, Dublin 16 – due to snow, icy roads etc.. I will keep you posted on my website and facebook, re next weeks Fitness, Exercise and Pilates that I teach in South Dublin, Ireland.

I might run a 20-30min online live Pilates Class for those who are interested later this afternoon, early evening or tomorrow morning for those who are interested.

Send me a brief e-mail if you are interested..
You might check my short online – Online Pilates Course at http://courses.yourhealthhabitcoach.com/, allowing to do some of the exercises easily at home..Take care, be safe and do some of our class exercises at home – Every Little Helps!
Martin

Join in to Get Fitter, Timmer and Slimmer in 2018! I’m going to start a new Outdoor Exercise and Fitness Class on Monday 19th February 2018. The classes will take place on the green or on the MUGA (Multi Usage Games Area) in Leopardstown Heights, in walking distance to “The Gallops”, “Sandyford Hall”, “Bellarmine” and “Aiken’s Village”. Find more class information and details here or contact Martin to book your place to start a fitter and healthier 2018!

A “Well done and Thumbs Up” to all class participants in this morning’s South Dublin based Pilates Classes, Rathfarnham/Willbrook in the Old Court House, close to the Yellow House Pub, near Rathfarnham Castle.The home-exercises or “homework”, as I like to call it are/is:
>>>> 3 Sets of the following three exercises <<<<(1) 10x Pilates Single-Leg Stretches (R/L), mainly core/abdominal strength(2) 10x Shoulder-Bridge version 2, for a good back stretch and to loosening and lengthen the spine and back.(3) 10x Side-Bends, focusses on oblique strength, waist / love-handle toning..
Martin

Do you want to (1) Tone-Up, (2) Get Fitter and (3) Slimmer?… then join my new – Toning – Weight-Loss and Fitness Class in Sandyford Community Centre, Dublin 18, beside Lambs Cross, just of the M50 exit 14..
The course starts next week, Wednesday 10th January 2018, 7.45pm-8.45pm..
It runs for 8 weeks and gives you the tools and knowledge to get into your own exercise, fitness and health routine and habit to make 2018 your fittest and healthiest year yet..
Check the video above for more details or read all the Toning, Weight-Loss and Fitness Course details here.

These classes are small, 8-10 participants max. to allow individual attention and me being able to give specific advice and recommendations depending on your circumstances, individual needs due to niggling backs, shoulders, neck or other issues or your preferences.

More food for thought. This time from Dr. Mark Hayman quote: “Think about it, if there is a health food section in the grocery store, what does that make the rest of the food sold there?”.
He one of the few doctors and physicians I follow online, worthwhile following.
Martin

2016 was a very eventful year for myself and those around me, filled with varied memories of excitement, happiness, fulfillment, but also frustrating and sad moments, as some of those who were close to us passed away. During the break I took time out to write a year review (in mind-map format), assessed what happened, reflected, remembered exciting, relaxing, sad, emotional, breathtaking and happy moments.

And started to plan ahead for 2017, where I envisage further changes to my private and work life e.g. (1) regular time out with my partner, friends and loved ones, (2) more deep and focused work enabling me to create some of the following, (3) online video fitness and nutrition courses, (4) a regular in person nutrition course in Mount Merrion Parish Centre, Stillorgan, (4) other online fitness and health projects, (5) reading more an reading varied, (6) following the notion of “Less is More” (less distraction – more focus, less in person courses – more (some) online courses, less drifting – more clarity etc.).

Give a Year Review a go, jot down what happened and reflect on the good and not so good. You might start with things that happened at certain location, things that are related to certain individuals or groups of people or your could structure it month by month. See what works for you. I prefer a mind-map format, as it allows the mind to quickly jump from one thought to another thought and you are not forced into the structure of grammar and sentences etc. (which often slows down the our thinking) you can kind of let your mind free-wheel.

Schedule three or four 30-60min blocks to do your 2016 *Review. it really frees the mind and will then allow you to look ahead and plan 2017 to make it a successful, happy and healthy year.

in Video No. 14 you are going to learn a very simple, yet effictive “Warm-Up Exercise”. It’s easy to do and I will show you a few different variations in the video (from Beginners to Intermediate Level).
The “Roll-Down with a Push-Up” combines back / spine mobilization and looseing with a upper-body warm-up (shoulders, chest and arms) plus adds a stretch for your hamstrings and calves (back of your legs) as well.

You don’t even need a mat, just a bit of space.

This exercise can simply be added to other warm-up exercises like neck, back, shoulder and spine mobillization moves, a bit of foam-rollering, some dynamic stretching etc..

Always do a 8-10 mintue warm-up routine, as this prepares the body for your main workout and aim to make the warm-up exercises specific to the exercises you plan to do.

Give the Gift of Health, Fitness and Well-Being this Christmas. Allowing a friend, relative, partner or colleague to be more energetic and feel fab about themself.
From first of December 2016 onward you can buy Christmas Gift Vouchers online on my website. This might be for (1) Nutrition & Food Coaching, (2) Pilates & Core Strength Classes – general mixed gender, Over 60s or Men Only Pilates, (3) Personal Training or Buddy Training Sessions, (4) Kettlebell sessions, (5) Health Coaching. Read more here or purchase a voucher online now.
Martin

In Video No. 12 I’m showing you a 10min “Neck, Back and Shoulder Stretching” Routine. This includes various standing and seated stretches. You could do the program e.g.

first thing in the morning after waking up, to loosen your body after a good nights rest.

as a office desk mid-morning or lunchtime break

as a evening routine after work or a long day at the desk to stretch those tight neck, back and shoulder muscles.

maybe when driving long-distances as a mini break

what else could you use this routine for …… ? Let me know.

The stretches and exercises are very simple and can be done anywhere. You don’t need any special equipment or props, nor do you need to change clothing – simple – quick and easy !!!

You will see a few seated stretches being done in a office chair, just to give you some ideas what can be done to stretch your back, spine and shoulder area and reduce tension in that area, as it gets tight for most of us when sitting for hours on a desk.

Aim to do some or all of these exercises at least once a day, ideally twice a day. Maybe get your work colleagues to join in and do it as a team activity or break. Taking a few minutes out will give you a mental break and boost your alertness and productivity.

I generally recommend to
(1) set a fixed time at which you do this stretching program e.g. mid morning 10am or after your lunch break at 1.30pm. The main goal is to establish a routine, something you do at set times and days. Ultimately you want to do this without having to think about it, without any conscious effort – your posture will thank you.
(2) Schedule it in your diary at the beginning of the week, it only takes 10min.
(3) Get your work colleagues to join and make is team activity or do it together with you partner or spouse.
(4) ask yourself “What is different after doing this stretching routine?” – “Which body-part loosened up or is more relaxed after the stretches?” – “What are the benefits of doing this?”

We make it even more fun and enjoyable for you, as all that’s needed is to bring a friend, family member, colleague or buddy along and the two of you can join our 6 week courses for €60, instead of €120 for both of you. Start spreading the word, let them know on facebook, twitter, instagram etc.. Oh and did I mentioned ….. we will have a cup of tea, coffee and a *good chat* after the class in the *coffee shop* to catch up, allowing you to ask me any health, fitness, exercise or nutrition questions you might have..
The normal course fee is €60 per person for 6 consecutive week, this means each ofyou saves 50%. This offer is only available until Tuesday 6th September 2016.

T&Cs – Terms and Conditions:1. This offer end on Tuesday 6th September 2016
2. It is valid for six consecutive weeks from Monday 5th or Tuesday 7th September 2016 onward.
3. Participants can attend one class per week.
4. Participants can choose between the Monday 9.15am Toning & Weight-Loss class in Mount Merrion Community Centre or the Tuesday 9.30am Toning & Weight-Loss class in Stillorgan, Glenalbyn Sport Club, Kilmacud Crokes.
5. Paid course fees are non-refundable.
6. Participants must fill out a Health Screening From before attending the first class.